S09.E03: Bread Week

[Athena]

Quote

The ten bakers have much to prove with a fruity teatime Signature; an international-flavoured Technical; and an ambitious Showstopper

Air date: September 11, 2018.

[Occasional Hope]

Poor Antony, he seemed so lovely.  I would have preferred Briony to go home this week.

 

Rahul is very sweet but needs to start showing a bit more confidence.

[zibnchy]

I loved Antony's attitude and his smile. Would like to be friends with him. Sorry to see him go.

My favorite after 3 weeks is Kim-Joy. She's just lovely and nice and she loves cats. I also really like Ruby and Gay Dad (can't remember his name.) Honestly, I like them all. It's going to be especially hard to see folks go home.

Rahul's showstopper was really quite amazing.

Have liked Noel since IT Crowd but I wasn't sure he'd be a good fit for GBBO. I was wrong. Really liking Noel even more this season. He seems more comfortable.

Heck, even Paul Hollywood is more likable.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Recipes

Signature challenge: Chelsea buns
Manon's apricot and cranberry chai chelsea buns
Dan's sticky spiced orange chelsea buns


Technical challenge:
naan

Showstopper challenge: korovai
Briony's Rapunzel happily ever after korovai
Rahul's garden wedding korovai
Kim-Joy's orange, cinnamon, and cranberry korovai
 

Edited September 19, 2018 by ElectricBoogaloo

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Antony's exit interview

[Danny Franks]

Aw, not Antony. He seemed like a really nice bloke.

I'm starting to think Ruby is going far in this competition. She seems to get quite a bit of camera time, and it's not just because she's extremely attractive. I do think the editors have at least an unconscious bias towards the contestants who stick around. This, of course, is predicated on the belief that they don't start to edit the show until the whole thing is in the can.

Naan bread is so good, even when it's a bit dry or greasy. Just works perfectly with curry. I think I'd happily eat most of those made here. Except Kim-Joy's raw ones.

Rahul is starting to remind me of Alvin, from a few years ago. Nervous, and really not seeming to enjoy himself very much. I know people handle stress and pressure differently, but I'm much happier watching contestants who actually seem to like what they're doing, even when they cock it up. Although Rahul seems like he lives his entire life like this, which must be exhausting.

Manon, sadly, seems to be getting some of the vitriol that attractive young women often seem to get from fans of Bake Off (see previous Ruby, Flora, Candice, Sophie etc). The woman writing the Guardian's live coverage of the episode was practically beside herself, over every mistake she made. But she seems very genuine and sweet to me.

Edited September 12, 2018 by Danny Franks

[halopub]

6 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Antony's exit interview

Awww...it sounds like he went into Bread Week assuming that'd be the end.

1 hour ago, Danny Franks said:

Naan bread is so good, even when it's a bit dry or greasy. Just works perfectly with curry. I think I'd happily eat most of those made here. Except Kim-Joy's raw ones.

Rahul is starting to remind me of Alvin, from a few years ago. Nervous, and really not seeming to enjoy himself very much. I know people handle stress and pressure differently, but I'm much happier watching contestants who actually seem to like what they're doing, even when they cock it up. Although Rahul seems like he lives his entire life like this, which must be exhausting.

Manon, sadly, seems to be getting some of the vitriol that attractive young women often seem to get from fans of Bake Off (see previous Ruby, Flora, Candice, Sophie etc). The woman writing the Guardian's live coverage of the episode was practically beside herself, over every mistake she made. But she seems very genuine and sweet to me.

 

I didn't realize naan would be that hard to make well. Like Ruby I usually just pop some frozen ones in a toaster oven. I bought some fresh naan from Tesco once - and while I'm generally not a fan of that supermarket chain, I remember being jealous that Brits get such a nice variety of quality, unfrozen naan at just the everyday grocery store.

I think that sounds like an apt description of Rahul. He is pretty introverted, though - so maybe his joy comes across as more muted. Be confident Rahul - your bakes are great!

Well it's not just Manon's attractiveness that is generating such a negative response. If that were true, so would current Ruby. I can't quite put my finger on it, but to me anyway there's something not quite authentic/relatable about her these last two episodes - something feels off. Whereas I thought she was likeable in her first episode. (shrug)

15 hours ago, zibnchy said:

I loved Antony's attitude and his smile. Would like to be friends with him. Sorry to see him go.

The tent does need more smilers with Antony gone. I thought it was cute that he and his partner were dressed alike on their balcony.

Did Kim-Joy use pandan leaves again in her bread? I thought I heard her mention them.

I'm not a bread baker at all, but I would think Paul would be familiar with Tangzhong roux. Is it just one of those things where he knows the technique but not necessarily the name?

Ruby keeps pulling out these amazing showstoppers and I'd love to see her generate more consistent results.

Edited September 12, 2018 by halopub
typo

[Athena]

Rahul is talented but he has no confidence. It's a real shame with his abilities.

I think Dan is creeping up there in my personal rankings. He's very consistent.

Terry has a lot of hobbies. He rides horses, keeps bees, bakes, and enjoys pottery. I wish I had his time and financial resources for it.

I don't generally like when Paul snarks the contestants but when he said, "Again?!" when Karen mentioned another bakewell bake, I had to snicker. What's the point of being on this show and doing the same flavours every week? It won't get you far.

I think Manon has an edge and cheekiness to her which is actually quite French, but it's not always well received. She also has a fairly expressive face and that can be a hit (Nadiya) or miss (Ruby) on this show. She's not proving out to be as talented as she was the first week, but I don't find her unpleasant like I did Ruby. She is seen talking or being affectionate with other contestants a lot which is generally a good sign.

 

1 hour ago, halopub said:

I'm not a bread baker at all, but I would think Paul would be familiar with Tangzhong roux. Is it just one of those things where he knows the technique but not necessarily the name?

It sounded to me that Paul had heard of it but he hadn't tried it. I know this technique but I rather not use it myself unless a very good recipe specifically calls for it.

The weather looked much colder this week. Both Paul and Prue were wearing overcoats in the Technical tent and the ending interviews. For this week, a warmer tent would have been beneficial to a lot of the bakers who had underproved doughs.

[Danny Franks]

2 hours ago, halopub said:

I didn't realize naan would be that hard to make well. Like Ruby I usually just pop some frozen ones in a toaster oven. I bought some fresh naan from Tesco once - and while I'm generally not a fan of that supermarket chain, I remember being jealous that Brits get such a nice variety of quality, unfrozen naan at just the everyday grocery store.

Have you ever had keema naan? Naan bread stuffed with lamb. It's great, even if it's perhaps too filling to have as an accompaniment with curry and rice. My sister loves peshwari naan, which has coconut and sugar in it, but it's a bit too sweet for me.

[RealityCheck]

3 hours ago, halopub said:

I didn't realize naan would be that hard to make well.

Paul said Naan is usually made with yeast but the technical challenge recipe was made with baking powder so it would be harder to judge how long to prove the dough.

I apologize to Dan in advance but he reminds me a little of Mike Isabella (Top Chef) facially.

[Rinaldo]

4 hours ago, Danny Franks said:

I'm starting to think Ruby is going far in this competition. She seems to get quite a bit of camera time, and it's not just because she's extremely attractive. I do think the editors have at least an unconscious bias towards the contestants who stick around.

I must say that I haven't noticed this being the case over the seasons. Maybe I've missed something, but I can recall many bakers who seemed to be getting lots of attention from the camera week after week so that I felt I was really getting to know them and was counting on the "friendship" continuing to the end -- and then they'd be eliminated. Case in point right now, Antony. All three episodes, we kept getting the multitude of funny little things he says. I think the editors just look for the bakers who are fun or exciting or suspenseful to watch. I suppose that's why we have a pair of interventionist hosts: they can spur silent competent people into saying or doing things that the camera can pick up.

Building on what I just said, I was truly gutted by Antony's departure this week. I enjoyed everything he said and did, and had been counting on many weeks of that. I hope he comes back some day for one of their one-off face-offs for non winners.

[halopub]

2 hours ago, Danny Franks said:

Have you ever had keema naan? Naan bread stuffed with lamb. It's great, even if it's perhaps too filling to have as an accompaniment with curry and rice. My sister loves peshwari naan, which has coconut and sugar in it, but it's a bit too sweet for me.

Lamb gives me heartburn but are beef keema naan good too? Peshwari naan are yummy but I do prefer savory varieties.     

I had to look it up but I vaguely remembered that a bunch of contestants made naan as their signature flatbread in series 3. I could go for some spiced mango naan right now.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Bread week! I was unprepared and didn't have any bread to eat while watching this episode.

Kim-Joy's pistachio and caradamom tangzhong chelsea buns with lemon zest and royal icing looked nice. I love that her technique worked and resulted in a soft delicate dough. And I always love whenever Paul gets schooled about anything!

Manon's heart shaped chai chelsea buns with apricot jam glaze, marzipan, and cranberries were visibly tough when Prue tore off a piece, but her flavors saved her. Loved that Paul complimented the bread structure because he is a stickler for that.

Dan's spiced orange sticky chelsea buns with brandy soaked sultanas and candied orange syrup looked really uniform AND Paul said his buns were perfect! Awww. I totally cracked up when he later said that after two Hollywood handshakes, it was old hat.

Antony's breakfast chelsea buns with cinnamon peanut butter, rum soaked raisins, and boozy caramel sauce sounded very decadent so it's too bad that he overbaked them. At least Paul complimented the structure! When they showed Kim-Joy saying that she was going to knead her dough for a very precise additional one minute and 45 seconds and then they contrasted that with Antony's more relaxed approach, I thought don't jinx yourself! When I saw the train go by as he and Gary were sitting on their balcony, I thought I would haaaate that so much. Then I remembered that I used to work across the street from NAS Miramar and I was so used to hearing fighter jets fly by that I didn't even notice the noise.

Terry's tangy citrus sticky chelsea buns with lemon icing, apricots, and dates looked very uniform. When he realized he had left out  the sugar after he already sliced his rolls and he had to unroll each one and sprinkle some in, I just shook my head. Poor guy! I'm glad that they ended up turning out so well. Heh, and you know that the ultimate compliment from Paul is "They look like the ones I make."

I was hoping that the judges would love Ruby's gujarela chelsea buns with dates, almonds, raisins, ghee glaze, and dark chocolate drizzle because they seemed so skeptical about the carrots.

Briony's balsamic strawberry chelsea buns with mascarpone icing, raisins, and pistachios looked a little messy but I was really rooting for her because I LOVE strawberries, balsamic, and mascarpone!

Karen's Peak District Christmas chelsea buns with glace cherries, flaked almonds, and royal icing were colorful and festive. I loved when she said that she's always loved bright colors and been a bit garish.

Jon's Cardiff City vs. Chelsea buns with salted caramel and pecan butter looked like they were for Twitter because of the blue bird silhouettes on the white background.

Rahul's mango and cranberry chelsea buns with five spice and mango icing were so colorful because of all the mango on top. LOVED that the judges loved it so much! Ha, I was totally cracking up when Rahul was outside talking about how stressed he gets and then he got distracted by the pheasants. "Wanna ride bikes?"

Mmmmm, naan! I laughed every single time someone said "naan bread" because naan means bread so they were saying “bread bread.” Also hilaroius every time someone pronounced it "nan" (ahem, PAUL).

Loved that Noel's idea of helping Briony was drawing a cat swearing and that his description of the shape of naan was a soggy skull. I totally cracked up when Ruby said that at least she wasn't the worst Indian in the room and then they cut to Antony saying that he's not from the region that makes naan.

I usually don't look forward to the showstoppers during bread week because they're often large but lackluster lumps of bread. At least the three tier requirement meant that we wouldn't get totally flat presentations. I was interested to see how the bakers would do with korovai.

Ruby's four tier wedding korovai with apricot jam glaze, almond liquor, and cherry filling was very detailed (loved that she made tiny braids to create the little hearts) but the decoration looked a little too busy. I agree with Paul that her even distribution of the fruit inside was to be commended. Loved Briony's enthusiastic response to Ruby's positive critique.

Antony's chocolate and orange korovai with apricot and orange liquor glaze was fun. Loved the mini zipline on the top. He took the judges' comments well and I loved when Briony pointed out that he was still smiling. He just seems like such a sweet upbeat guy that it's been painful to see him not do well.

Kim-Joy's orange, cinnamon, and cranberry cat wedding korovai with caraway and pandan leaves was cute. All those sweet little cats everywhere were really fun.

Dan's orange and lemon zest korovai with spiced rum was so colorful with all the bright flowers and the light colored braid on top.

Karen's breakfast korovai with chocolate chips and coffee was nicely decorated. I liked that she was able to include so many things on the outside without looking cluttered. Loved when she said that she was making birds and then we had (1) Paul saying they had tongues instead of beaks (2) Noel saying he thought they were turtles and (3) Paul saying he thought they were seals.

Rahul's orange and lemon zest garden korovai was great. I loved all the detailed decorations he used. It was a smart decision to use light colored bread for the decorations to contrast with the darker korovai so that they really stood out. I liked the height he added with the decorations too. It looked like a wedding cake from a distance.

Jon's Dydd Dew Sant (St. David's Day) korovai with Welsh tea and dried fruit was definitely bright. I appreciate that he made an effort to add color with the red dragon on the white and green background and the yellow stars, but the whole thing just looked so heavy (aesthetically speaking, that is). Of course it was also literally too heavy which is why the top layer smushed the bottom layer.

Manon's Farberge orange blossom korovai was pretty from a distance. I was surprised that the judges didn't mention that it was leaning to one side. I think the biggest letdown in the decorating was the Faberge egg, which was supposed to be the centerpiece of the design. Everything else looked pretty but that part looked too plain. While I'm usually not a fan of family tattoos, I thought it was so cute that she, her parents, and her siblings all have the same simple tattoo.

Briony's Rapunzel korovai with salted caramel vodka and lemon, lime, and orange zest was a fun idea, and I really liked the way she embedded the turrets into the sides. The flowers were very pretty and the big braid was a good idea.

Terry's garden korovai cinnamon butter, orange, lemon, and vanilla was beautifully decorated. The flowers were so pretty and detailed. The flying bees gave it a delicate look.

Yay for Rahul winning star baker again! Not surprised that Antony was the one who was sent home. I will miss his positive attitude.

Edited September 13, 2018 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Charlesman]

Rahul seems like one of those people who has chronic confidence issues because of his early childhood. Parents always being down on him or something.

 

I hate every time any contestant opens with an apology. Don't be putting those thoughts in the judge's heads before they taste your food. He might have cost himself another handshake. 

[bybrandy]

21 hours ago, RealityCheck said:

I apologize to Dan in advance but he reminds me a little of Mike Isabella (Top Chef) facially.

I"m never going to be able to unseen that because every time I see Dan I think, "who does he look like?"

I don't think Rahul doesn't seem to be having a bad time to me.  I think he's just really introverted and this isn't the most natural environment for him.  Nobody who gets so delightfully distracted by pheasants can be joyless.   

I've made Pita many times but I've never made Naan.  Totally going to do that nos.  Love Naan.  

[ShortyMac]

Very happy for Rahul and I'm glad Terry and his mustache redeemed themselves this week.

I love this show; it is delightful. I was so happy to see that another series began airing across the pond (American, here).

[ElectricBoogaloo]

In case you need to see Rahul spotting pheasants repeatedly:

[oldCJ]

On 9/12/2018 at 8:22 PM, Danny Franks said:

Manon, sadly, seems to be getting some of the vitriol that attractive young women often seem to get from fans of Bake Off (see previous Ruby, Flora, Candice, Sophie etc). The woman writing the Guardian's live coverage of the episode was practically beside herself, over every mistake she made. But she seems very genuine and sweet to me.

I disagree that it has anything to do with looks. Manon is on a British show called the Great British Bake Off, yet she has on more than one occasion flat out insulted British baking, from claiming there is a lack of bakeries in England  to commments on how much better the French are at baking. Any vitriol headed her way is of her own making. 

[Occasional Hope]

Rahul seems to love the English countryside.  It's so sweet.

[Danny Franks]

16 hours ago, oldCJ said:

I disagree that it has anything to do with looks. Manon is on a British show called the Great British Bake Off, yet she has on more than one occasion flat out insulted British baking, from claiming there is a lack of bakeries in England  to commments on how much better the French are at baking. Any vitriol headed her way is of her own making. 

As a British person, I am thoroughly not offended by Manon thinking French baking is superior, and I struggle to picture the British person who would be. We're not that precious. And dismissing British food is one of the things we assume that French people will say. But people have accused her of everything from being too flirty (a common accusation) to outright cheating.

But there absolutely is a tendency for certain women on this show to get online hate. People said they didn't like Candice, because of her attitude and the faces she pulled. Same for Ruby Tandoh. They also implied that both were hooking up with Paul Hollywood, and some have already said the same about Manon. There absolutely is a toxic element to the fandom of this show, and they're evident on social media every week, and they nearly always pick young, attractive women as their targets.

Edited September 16, 2018 by Danny Franks

[PepperMonkey]

I want "Rahul encountering pheasants" to be the wallpaper of my life.

[halopub]

Two links:

• Antony posing with some stunning korovai last week in Greece.
• The show tweeted a best-of-Antony clip

[TVbitch]

I eat naan with curry every day for lunch! I always wondered my it wasn't just round.

PS. The frozen naan from Trader Joe's is actually quite good! 

[CaliCheeseSucks]

On 9/12/2018 at 6:22 PM, Danny Franks said:

Rahul is starting to remind me of Alvin, from a few years ago. Nervous, and really not seeming to enjoy himself very much. I know people handle stress and pressure differently, but I'm much happier watching contestants who actually seem to like what they're doing, even when they cock it up. Although Rahul seems like he lives his entire life like this, which must be exhausting.

 

Just catching up to this season and there's an almost throwaway moment in this episode showing Rahul using baking in his personal life to make friends. So I think he's just very introverted and relies on "show (with bakes)" not "tell (with overt reactions/behaviors)." I'm definitely rooting for him.

[PaulaO]

I will miss Antony.  He had such a cheerful attitude and a killer smile.

[krankydoodle]

I laughed when Ruby said at least she wasn't the worst Indian in the tent after the results of the naan technical challenge, but poor Antony. He seems like such a lovely, fun person and I wish he hadn't been knocked out so soon.

I wasn't sure about Karen after the first episode, but (as someone who's more Rahul-like) the way she's so unapologetic and relatively breezy about everything is refreshing.

I wasn't a fan of Noel's new hairstyle in the first episode and it's taken me a while to get used to his latest look, but at least it seems to suit his style better. I also appreciated his comment that he learns a lot during the show but forgets it all shortly after because I'm the same.

[Winter Rose]

I actually thought Dan would win Star Baker this week but I hope the two in a row give Rahul more confidence. I worry he's in danger of approaching the level of some past contestants who were annoyingly negative about everything but then *surprise* do great. That always put a damper on watching.

I think Paul's been more liberal with the handshakes in recent years, I wonder if that's actually been an effect of changing networks. I still think the best bread show stopper in the entire show was the lion, and even with the shout out at the end of that episode, I don't remember it getting a handshake (I could be wrong though).

I was sorry to see Antony go. I saw it coming but he just seemed so lovely.

[PaulaO]

I’m still smarting over Paul’s bread lion losing to Ian’s wishing well.  

[Quilt Fairy]

Wow, a bread week without anything I would call bread.   Chelsea buns are what we in the Midwest US would call sweet rolls, it seemed like the best korovai were similar to a panetone which I consider to be more of a cake than a bread, and naan is more of a bread alternative.  Just my opinion. 

 

9 hours ago, PaulaO said:

I’m still smarting over Paul’s bread lion losing to Ian’s wishing well.  

 You and me both.  I hated Ian.  Just too smug after several Star Baker wins in a row and always skirting the edge of the brief in the showstoppers. 

[Sharpie66]

Loved all of the decorations on the showstoppers, especially from Rahul and Karen. Karen’s muted colors were really lovely, and Rahul’s swans and garlands were amazing!

Karen annoyed me in week one with her crisps, but she’s grown on me. And both Dan and Rahul look like finalists so far. Ruby needs a solid week getting all three bakes right, and Briony needs to get back on track. I think Terry and Karen are both potentially on the chopping block unless they nail it next episode.

[GaT]

Wow, the showstoppers were pretty impressive, but I didn't like the way the camera stayed on Briony's face when she was trying not to cry. 

Kim-Joy's makeup is still giving me circus vibes

Still trying to figure out who Ruby looks like, the closest I've come is (not in coloring) Jennifer Aniston.

[Quilt Fairy]

54 minutes ago, Sharpie66 said:

I think Terry and Karen are both potentially on the chopping block unless they nail it next episode.

Terry has been Dead Baker Walking pretty much since the beginning of the first episode.

[AZChristian]

7 hours ago, GaT said:

Still trying to figure out who Ruby looks like, the closest I've come is (not in coloring) Jennifer Aniston.

Sandra Bullock.

[GaT]

6 hours ago, AZChristian said:

Sandra Bullock.

Maybe

[rab01]

On 11/11/2018 at 8:20 AM, AZChristian said:

Sandra Bullock.

Maybe. Also maybe Marisa Tomei circa My Cousin Vinny?  

[Capelover]

On 11/11/2018 at 1:09 AM, GaT said:

Still trying to figure out who Ruby looks like, the closest I've come is (not in coloring) Jennifer Aniston.

She reminds me of Priyanka Chopra a bit.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dan’s kids are cute but he reminds me of Mike Isabella so I must hate him forever. 

LOL’d at Ruby she she said “At least I’m not the worst Indian in the tent”. 

Kim-Joy is just the right amount of weird. 

Jon reminds me of a stereotypical movie English tough guy, but seeing him in a tutu and then with his arms around gay Dan and immigrant Rahul made me happy. 

[rejnel]

Aw. Antony had just become my favorite. Handsome, smart, and nice. And so cute with his partner in the little clip last week. 

I like everybody who's left, and adore several of them. 

Baking quality seems super high so far--am I imagining that?

[dleighg]

1 minute ago, rejnel said:

Baking quality seems super high so far--am I imagining that?

I don't think so. They all seem very talented. 

[meep.meep]

On ‎11‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 10:09 PM, GaT said:

Wow, the showstoppers were pretty impressive, but I didn't like the way the camera stayed on Briony's face when she was trying not to cry. 

Kim-Joy's makeup is still giving me circus vibes

Still trying to figure out who Ruby looks like, the closest I've come is (not in coloring) Jennifer Aniston.

I can't look at Kim-Joy's face - it must be the makeup.  She seems to be a very talented baker.

Bye Antony!  So much fun to watch.  So able to just laugh off losing.  He got all the confidence that Rahul desperately needs.

[AmandaPanda]

I was so sad to see Antony go. His smile was infectious and he was just so hot. I could just watch him bake all day. 

[janeyjay]

On 11/11/2018 at 1:09 AM, GaT said:

Still trying to figure out who Ruby looks like, the closest I've come is (not in coloring) Jennifer Aniston.

She reminds me of Sarah Shahi (who was the lead in one of those two-named USA Network shows back about  5-6 years ago)

[NYCFree]

On 9/13/2018 at 2:43 PM, Charlesman said:

Rahul seems like one of those people who has chronic confidence issues because of his early childhood. Parents always being down on him or something.

 

I hate every time any contestant opens with an apology. Don't be putting those thoughts in the judge's heads before they taste your food. He might have cost himself another handshake. 

In an intro clip of Rahul, it mentioned him Skyping with his parents back in India every day. The brief clip they showed of the conversation had his mom telling him “you need a haircut and you should shave.” I don’t know if this is emblematic of their relationship, or not.

I also enjoyed Ruby being happy she wasn’t the Indian with the worst naan, and the quick cut to Antony replying “I’m not from the area of India that makes naan.”

I’m not sure Kim-Joy’s florid cheeks are bad makeup. I have a similar skin tone, and when I was younger, I had flushed cheeks a lot. Especially when hot, or the center of attention.

[bybrandy]

On 9/13/2018 at 2:13 PM, bybrandy said:

I"m never going to be able to unseen that because every time I see Dan I think, "who does he look like?"

I don't think Rahul doesn't seem to be having a bad time to me.  I think he's just really introverted and this isn't the most natural environment for him.  Nobody who gets so delightfully distracted by pheasants can be joyless.   

I've made Pita many times but I've never made Naan.  Totally going to do that nos.  Love Naan.  

Quoting myself but I have now made Naan and now I wonder why I had never done it before.  So easy and delicious.